Grief counselors and therapists in Thousand Oaks, CA

I am Amaka Iheaka, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 8 years of inpatient mental health experience. My path in mental health began as a mental health worker and progressed through nursing and leadership roles, including charge nurse and house supervisor. That's given me broad experience with a wide range of mental health needs. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and veterans from diverse backgrounds and provide comprehensive initial psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy. My treatment areas include anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, PTSD, trauma, grief, stress, and relationship and family concerns, with an interest in women's mental health. I'm passionate about helping people understand their mental health and feel empowered to take an active role in their care.

I am a licensed clinical social worker who is trained in CBT and Motivational Interviewing. I work with trauma, anxiety, and depression.

Stuck? In pain? Contemplating a life change, or just had one thrust upon you? Let's explore your options and make things easier.

I have 20+ years of experience helping demoralized adults back to high functionality. I specialize in helping develop motivational skills in those are dealing with depression, anxiety and adjustment issues (including relational and gender identity issues).

I am a Latinx therapist who specializes in trauma and the healing journey that follows. My approach is grounded in both professionalism and personal experience. Having done my own therapy work, I understand the courage it takes to face painful experiences, navigate life's challenges, and commit to personal growth.

I recognize that healing is not always a linear process. Growth often involves discomfort, vulnerability, and persistence. Because of this, I strive to create a compassionate, culturally responsive space where clients feel seen, understood, and supported as they work toward meaningful change.

Whether you are processing trauma, navigating life transitions, or seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, I am committed to walking alongside you with empathy, authenticity, and respect for your unique experiences.

I specialize in working with adolescents, young adults, and high performers—including Division I athletes, professionals, and anyone striving to meet high expectations. In my work, I’ve learned that growth happens at the edge of comfort—where support and challenge meet. My clients often tell me they appreciate my ability to be both direct and deeply compassionate, creating a space where they feel seen, understood, and encouraged to move forward.

Born in Taiwan, raised in Southern California, and trained in San Francisco and New Mexico, I bring a blend of cultural humility, life experience, and professional training into every session. As an Asian American therapist, I value identity, culture, and lived experience as essential pieces of healing. I aim to create a space where you can show up as your real self—without judgment, without masks.

I have experience working with children, youth, adults, families, couples but in the last few years, I have shifted my main focus to work with adults who are struggling with anxiety, trauma and depression. I’ve worked in the mental health field for 22 years and been practicing as a therapist for about 10 years. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I believe that prioritizing mental health is key to happiness and stability in life. Seeking help can be difficult, so congratulations on taking your first step to start therapy.